Frequently Asked Questions

The word communion means sharing and close fellowship. We believe in the healing power of relationship. To experience the presence of another person who is deeply attuned to us; who listens with care; who pays attention and bears witness to the details and nuances of our lives. To have all parts of us feel heard, seen and understood. To explore our lives with curiosity, exploration and wonder. We believe experiencing this on a consistent basis can not only be the vehicle to help us reach our goals, it can also help heal and transform our lives.

Emerging from this belief and foundation, we take a collaborative approach. We acknowledge each of us is limited in our perspective and abilities. We are imperfect human beings. Collaboration allows us to share our unique perspectives and strengths with each other as clinicians and healthcare professionals to benefit our clients. Instead of working in isolation, we maintain and protect your confidentiality while we work as a team, within our practice and with other outside professionals, to brainstorm new and creative ways to help you heal and grow.

We find meaning and purpose engaging in consistent, healthy, yet imperfect relationship. We invite you to join us.

Yes. We believe your time is valuable, and travel time in the morning, evening or middle of the day may add stress. Your location and finances may prevent making in-person sessions. Others may feel more comfortable meeting from a familiar environment. Telehealth video sessions can ease these stresses and give you access to efficient and effective support.

Your privacy is our priority. All telehealth video sessions are held on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to protect your confidentiality.

Please note: Due to different state-by-state licensing requirements, we only provide telehealth sessions for residents of the state of Texas.

Communion Counseling & Wellness is a private-pay practice. This means that our clients pay the full session fee at the time the services are provided. Upon request, we can provide you an itemized receipt called a “superbill” you may use to file a claim with your insurance company for out-of-network benefits. Most of our clients who file a claim for out-of-network benefits receive some amount of reimbursement or application toward the deductible depending upon the type of insurance coverage and plan. We recommend you call your insurance company prior to your first counseling session to inquire about your out-of-network coverage and the approximate amount of reimbursement you may expect.

Communion Counseling & Wellnesse values each client and provides the following information to help you make informed decisions about your health and privacy. Please consider prior to filing a claim with your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.

If you file a claim:

• Your privacy and confidentiality is limited. Insurance companies and managed care plans require your private health information in order to process and approve claims for reimbursement.
• It must include a diagnosis. This diagnosis becomes a part of your permanent record and may be stored in data systems which could potentially be accessed by anyone. Law enforcement officials can also access this information and it could potentially be used to your disadvantage should a legal problem arise.
• Your insurance company removes from you and your therapist the power to choose the most appropriate, effective and individualized approach to therapy. Each person is unique. Individualizing therapy is a critical component to its success. The insurance company’s involvement removes this integral factor.
• Your insurance company complicates the collaboration process between the potentially different counselors, clinicians and professionals you work with that provide you comprehensive, effective care and support. A team approach benefits you by providing professionals of various disciplinary perspectives working together. Professionals working independently of each other may lead to giving you contradictory guidance or recommendations.

Yes. We value your privacy and everything discussed in your therapy session is confidential. In fact, confidentiality is one of the foundational factors in establishing trust and feeling comfortable to share sensitive information with your therapist. This has a significant impact on the success of therapy. When meeting with your practitioner, you can expect to receive a written and verbal disclosure of our privacy practices and the nature of confidentiality. This is called “Informed Consent.”

However, it is also important you understand the limitations of your rights. State law and professional ethics require confidentiality with some designated exceptions related to safety, legal issues and professional collaboration. These will be specifically discussed in the first session, and your practitioner will give time and opportunity to answer any questions you may have.

You may also view our HIPAA Privacy Statement for more details.

Our top priority is to provide you a comfortable, quiet and safe space to share. There are 2 main objectives in the first session:

1. For your practitioner to get to know you.
2. For you to get to know your practitioner.

The first objective involves your practitioner asking you about various aspects of your life such as the reason why you decided to come to treatment, the past and present nature of your relationships with loved ones, friends and people at work and the major events you’ve experienced your life. This allows your practitioner to “bear witness” to your pain or distress, understand you and your context, and begin conceptualizing the most appropriate and effective way to begin supporting you in your growth process.

The second objective is just as important, if not more important than the first. It is vital that you connect with and trust your practitioner in order for treatment to be a success. We encourage you to be mindful of and evaluate this in the first session. Ask questions. Seek to understand what it would be like to work with the practitioner. How does he/she believe people change? What is his/her approach to treatment and my particular issues? Can they understand and relate to me? Do we mesh well? Treatment is an investment in your growth that can change your life and the life of your loved ones. You are worth it. You deserve a practitioner that is the best fit for you. Please don’t settle for anything less!